WAIKITE VALLEY ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Site 9 — A Powered Campervan Perch at Waikite Valley’s Geothermal Edge
A compact, powered gravel site at Waikite Valley Thermal Pools that gives campervan travelers direct access to six public geothermal pools and nearby amenities.
Site 9 — A Powered Campervan Perch at Waikite Valley’s Geothermal Edge.
Park your medium-sized campervan on a powered 8m x 3.3m gravel bay that backs onto a geothermal wetland at Waikite Valley Thermal Pools; the site combines quiet, natural setting with immediate access to six public pools, modern facilities and a small café for a short restorative stay.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A powered gravel pitch at the wetland edge
Site 9 is a powered gravel pitch sized 8m long by 3.3m wide, suitable for a medium-sized campervan and positioned close to toilets, showers and the communal kitchen — a practical base for one to a few nights in the geothermal valley.
Included access to six public geothermal pools
Your camping fee includes use of the complex’s six public pools; the pools are operated on a set schedule with draining beginning at 7:15pm and full closure at 8:00pm.
Showers, laundry and a café within easy reach
Site 9 sits among the closest pitches to toilets, showers, a small communal kitchen and laundry; a café on site serves coffee and hot food (generally 11:30am–6pm) and basic laundry facilities accept coins for washers and dryers.
What the day feels like
How the stay feels
A short stay at Site 9 is a pragmatic mix of low-key campsite living and geothermal leisure: roll in with a medium campervan, plug into power, walk a few metres to wash and change, and spend the afternoon moving between warm pools and the small café; evenings follow the complex rhythm as pools drain and reception closes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this site suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring appropriate swimwear for public bathing, plus coins ($2) for dryers if you need laundry; soap powder is available at reception.
Washer and dryer facilities are available for a fee; limited cellphone reception can be expected and Wi‑Fi is available for purchase at reception.
Site 9 is a powered gravel site sized for a medium campervan (8m x 3.3m); there is no on-site dump station — the closest dump station is in Rotorua.
No drones anywhere on the complex, and no smoking or vaping within the campground (smoking is permitted on the main driveway only); children must be actively supervised.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I book Site 9 for?
Site 9 is bookable for stays of 1 to 4 days.
Are the thermal pools included with camping?
Yes — use of the six public pools is included in your camping fee.
When are the pools closed for the evening?
Pools begin to drain at 7:15pm and are closed at 8:00pm.
What are reception and check-in times?
Reception is open from 10:00am to 7:30pm; standard check-in is 2:00pm (early check-in can be purchased when booking) and check-out is 11:00am.
Is there a dump station on site?
No — there is no dump station on site; the closest dump station is in Rotorua.
Can I use a drone or bring a pet?
Drones are absolutely not permitted; pets are not allowed during public holidays (long weekends) or peak season (1 December–31 January).
Are laundry facilities available and how are they paid for?
Yes — washers and dryers are available; dryers take $2 coins and the combined wash/dry cost is listed as $4.